Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack
- Date Fri 25th September 2026 - Sat 26th September 2026
- Time 8:00AM EDT
- Location Shawnee, Ohio
- Price $22.20 - $69.90
- Races 5 races
- Distances Half Marathon, 5km, 10 Mile, 10km
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival on September 25-26, 2026, in the picturesque Village of Shawnee, Perry County, Ohio! This vibrant celebration of Ohio's iconic Buckeye Trail coincides with National Public Lands Day, inviting trail runners, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of the Wayne National Forest. Participants can choose from a variety of exciting events, including a challenging Half Marathon (13.1 miles), a spirited 10K, a fun 5K run/walk, and an adventurous 10-mile hike. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, an overnight backpacking trek is also on the agenda.
The festival kicks off with the Half Marathon and 10K starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the 5K at 9:15 AM, all chip-timed for accurate results. Hikers can embark on their 10-mile journey starting at 8:00 AM, guided by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association. This event not only offers thrilling outdoor activities but also highlights the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Buckeye Trail. So, gather your friends and family, and celebrate the great outdoors
The festival kicks off with the Half Marathon and 10K starting at 9:00 AM, followed by the 5K at 9:15 AM, all chip-timed for accurate results. Hikers can embark on their 10-mile journey starting at 8:00 AM, guided by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the Buckeye Trail Association. This event not only offers thrilling outdoor activities but also highlights the rich history and stunning landscapes of the Buckeye Trail. So, gather your friends and family, and celebrate the great outdoors
Organiser's Description
THE BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL - RUN, HIKE & BACKPACK ON THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL is a celebration of Ohio's Buckeye Trail in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Whether you are a trail runner, hiker, or would like to learn more about backpacking you are welcome to be a part of our celebration of the Buckeye Trail (BT). Join us for the 2026 Blue Blaze Festival and explore the diversity and beauty of the outdoors. This year we will be joining forces with Destination Shawnee, the Tecumseh Theater and outdoor recreational organizations to bring together runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the Village of Shawnee. This section of the Buckeye Trail, in the Wayne National Forest, is mostly single-track trail and provides some very challenging terrain. The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL will be highlighting the BT as an outdoor destination for running, hiking and backpacking, plus all of the excitement happening in the historic Village of Shawnee.
There is a trail experience and distance right for you: Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K, 5K run/walk, 10 Mile Hike and an overnight Backpacking trek. All events are on the Buckeye Trail in the Wayne National Forest.
RUNNING EVENTS - HALF MARATHON, 10K AND 5K
9:00AM Half Marathon and 10K, 9:15AM 5K start.
All running events are chip timed with live results posted.
HIKING THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The 10-MILE HIKE will start at 8:00am (1 hour before the running events) in Shawnee. All hikers will be given a race bib/number with a timing chip used to monitor when hikers start and finish the hike. The hike is designed and lead by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the BTA, with a number of historical points following the Blue Blazes of the Buckeye Trail. A guide with historical points of interest and the route map will be provided to participants.
The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL is a celebration of Ohio's Buckeye Trail in conjunction with National Public Lands Day. Whether you are a trail runner, hiker, or would like to learn more about backpacking you are welcome to be a part of our celebration of the Buckeye Trail (BT). Join us for the 2026 Blue Blaze Festival and explore the diversity and beauty of the outdoors. This year we will be joining forces with Destination Shawnee, the Tecumseh Theater and outdoor recreational organizations to bring together runners, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the Village of Shawnee. This section of the Buckeye Trail, in the Wayne National Forest, is mostly single-track trail and provides some very challenging terrain. The BLUE BLAZE FESTIVAL will be highlighting the BT as an outdoor destination for running, hiking and backpacking, plus all of the excitement happening in the historic Village of Shawnee.
There is a trail experience and distance right for you: Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K, 5K run/walk, 10 Mile Hike and an overnight Backpacking trek. All events are on the Buckeye Trail in the Wayne National Forest.
RUNNING EVENTS - HALF MARATHON, 10K AND 5K
9:00AM Half Marathon and 10K, 9:15AM 5K start.
All running events are chip timed with live results posted.
HIKING THE BUCKEYE TRAIL
The 10-MILE HIKE will start at 8:00am (1 hour before the running events) in Shawnee. All hikers will be given a race bib/number with a timing chip used to monitor when hikers start and finish the hike. The hike is designed and lead by the Little Cities of the Forest Chapter of the BTA, with a number of historical points following the Blue Blazes of the Buckeye Trail. A guide with historical points of interest and the route map will be provided to participants.
Races
-
Half Marathon
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$48.70
-
10k
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$32.80
-
5K Run/Walk
Incl. $2.50 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (9:15AM EDT)
$27.50
-
10 Mile Hike
Incl. $2.20 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 26th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$22.20
This will be an out and back hike, using a looped section of the Buckeye Trail, with the start and finish in Shawnee, OH. -
Backpacking Workshop
Incl. $4.90 Fee & T-Shirt
Fri 25th September 2026 (8:00AM EDT)
$69.90
This is a backpacking experience.
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127B W. Main St., Buckeye Trail Association, Shawnee, 43782, OH, United States
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Buckeye Trail Blue Blaze Festival - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, Hike and Backpack
